HARTFORD – State Representative Livvy Floren (R-149) voted in favor of a two-year budget that averts Gov. Malloy’s devastating education cuts to cities and towns and installs structural municipal mandate reform that will provide long-term relief sought by local leaders and the taxpayers they serve.

In a historic accomplishment that would have been impossible just a one year ago, House and Senate Republicans exerted considerable influence over the final budget plan by incorporating long sought after items. These items include a spending and bond cap, mandatory votes on labor contracts, no income or sales tax increases, and equitable educational aid to cities and towns. This budget averted the governor’s harmful spending cuts to core social service programs while rejecting several tax proposals that had been introduced this year for consideration, namely on cell phones, restaurants and tolls.

“This was not a day for gloating celebration, but a day for hope,” said Rep. Floren. “We have a lot of hard work ahead to get our state moving forward. I believe this bipartisan budget deal paves the way for long-term fiscal responsibility, economic growth and sustainable state government. I am proud of the work we have done this year, and look forward to making further progress in the years to come.”

The budget passed the Senate early Thursday morning in a 33-3 vote, soon followed by a 126-23 vote in the House. The bill now awaits Gov. Malloy’s signature. If he vetoes the bill, the House and Senate have the votes to override his decision.

Please click here to watch Rep. Floren’s remarks on the bond package and the bipartisan budget.